Mosimane leaves out key trio

Pitso Mosimane has left out Thulani Serero, Andile Jali and Erick Mathoho from his South Africa squad to ensure they can play for the under-23 team.

Mosimane named a 28-man squad to play Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe in two upcoming friendlies, but left the three regulars out after reaching a deal with under-23 coach ‘Shakes’ Mashaba to allow him to pick his strongest side.

“(Lionel) Messi also played in the Olympic games, so why should Thulani Serero and Andile Jali not go there?” Mosimane said.

Mashaba is yet to announce his squad, despite Olympic qualifiers starting later this month.

The Eight Nations Olympic tournament was recently moved to Morocco after originally being set for Egypt, who pulled out of hosting the tournament for security concerns.

South Africa has been drawn in Group A with Ivory Coast, Gabon and Egypt. Group B comprises Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria and hosts Morocco.

The top three finishers at the eight-team tournament go to the Olympic Games next July.

The fourth-placed finisher can also still qualify for the Olympics, but must play off against an Asian side in a one-off match in Coventry, England next April.